The man also said Timothy Scarfe’s abuse had damaged his son’s ability to trust adults, and warned parents to be aware of people like him.

Scarfe, who managed a shop in Carlton Colville, near Lowestoft, is now serving a 12-month jail term for eight sex offences against the three boys.

The teenager’s father contacted police after he found out Scarfe had pulled his son’s trousers down and smacked him.

Scarfe, of Fair Close, Beccles, was arrested a few days later.

After he was given police bail pending further inquiries, other incidents against teenage boys emerged in which they had their trousers pulled down and were smacked.

Officers also found a number of text messages to boys, which included sexual content and instructions for them to be deleted.

It also transpired Scarfe had hugged and touched a number of boys.The 51-year-old was subsequently charged and pleaded guilty at Ipswich Crown Court to eight offences, including one of causing/ inciting a boy under 16 into sexual activity.

The remainder related to the sexual touching of two boys.

In addition to his 12-month jail term Scarfe will be on the sex offenders register for ten years.

After Scarfe was jailed the father responsible for reporting him to police said: “My son has a strong personality and has spent many hours in company of trustworthy adults from a young age.

“However, his experiences at the hands of Scarfe have left him finding it difficult to trust older people, and he is consequently struggling to find employment.

“Although my son was a victim of Scarfe, I bear him no direct malice.

“However, I feel very strongly that the public should be aware of this case.

“There may have been others who have been targeted by Scarfe and, if so, his conviction may give them the confidence needed to come forward.

“I feel it is also vital that naïve parents be forewarned that this type of predatory paedophile slots themselves into positions of trust alongside young people to allow themselves the opportunity to prey on their intended victims.”